A dual time novel with events in 1915, 1970s and nowadays. I was young in the 1970s and was in Paris in those years. I remember the first time I was at Père Lachaise, what a place! I love history and figured this book would be right up my alley. I expected the story to be about the doll and its history. It isn’t. We learn right away where the doll comes from. I appreciate the foreword by the author explaining the history of these dolls. I love it when authors use real historical objects as a starting point for their novel. The book, although set in the 1970s, addresses topics that are still relevant in some communities today, those of extremely traditional roles within the family. As a reader you understand why Helen wants to get out and explore more of life and we celebrate with her as she dives into a new culture. The story deals with fear of change, the fear of not fitting in (can’t we all relate?) and people doing things they actually don’t like but feel “forced” to do because of the friends they hang out with. It’s about deep friendships and the hurt they can cause; forgiveness and facing reality; accepting the consequences of your actions and not being afraid of being yourself. But it’s also also about selfishness and bitterness. The biggest surprise is when Helen’s granddaughter goes to Kansas. What she uncovers about her family is not something one sees coming. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending and am wondering (and hoping) we’re going to learn more about this in book two. The book is a substantial read, I do feel it could have been a bit shorter, but it’s definitely a very pleasant way of spending a number of hours.

Many thanks to Headline for an ARC. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I really loved this book! It was a little bit slow to start. But I really enjoyed it when the pace picked up!

The Paris Apartment is a phenomenal historical fiction. The story and characters draw you in, feeling all the emotions. Such a great and thought provoking read.

Found it a bit slow and boring to begin with. Nearly called a halt, however I stuck with it and really enjoyed it.

Thank you, Netgalley.co.uk and Headline Review, for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

To begin with, I found the story slow and was dispirited by the idea that, having read the blurb, there could be much more substance to this book.

There is so much information given in the prologue that I feel it could have made for a more dynamic story in its own right. Moving from 1915 to 1931, there is much more of interest and appeal that another written story could have led into this book.

Chapter one takes the reader to 1975 and chapter two to the present day. I have always loved a dual time novel. Finding out what led the characters to become the people they are now. I really enjoyed this angle of the novel.

However, I found it a little frustrating to begin with. Helen's story had so much to be uncovered and such a great back story, whilst Teresa waffled on about goats, dogs, and the bird for most of her chapters. The visits to Helen were briefly covered, and any interesting information became almost a second thought. There were infinitely more engrossing details that could have been covered during these visits, yet still give the impression of "popping in."
It isn't until the middle of the book that I sat up and though "hello, this is getting better." The story suddenly becomes stimulating, and things become more engaging. Finally, we are getting somewhere.

I would encourage readers to stick with it and hold out for the better chapters. This book has the makings of a great story, but unfortunately for me, it was Teresa's lacklustre approach and ramblings of the unimportant in the beginning that let it down.
Once we reach the middle, the story lifts, the characters become more alive, and the whole book begins to light up.

I'm pleased to know that there are two other books to follow this. The next will accompany Lilianne to Cairo, and I'm hoping it will be more engaging from the beginning. I'm keen to see where her path leads her.

3.5 stars✨️ rounded up

This was a strong start in this series, it had that element that I was looking for in a historical fiction novel. The characters were realistic and enjoyed getting to know them in this. I thought the multiple time-lines worked well overall and it worked in this plot. Muna Shehadi has a strong writing style and enjoyed everything that was going on. It left me wanting to read more in this world and from Muna Shehadi.

I just loved The Paris Affair. I couldn’t put it down. It kept me turning the page until the very last page!

Set in three timelines this tale tells the story of a doll and the effects of of life and the history of those who owned the doll had on three women.

This is a wonderfully told story and I especailly loved the settings. Each of the womens stories are all completely different but they eventually meld together and Oh my! it is just exquisite.

The author is a wonderful storyteller and I was captivated as the story developed. I loved all of the women and I was easily transported into their inner circle.

recommended read..